If you’re wondering how to romance characters in Baldur’s Gate 3, then you’re in luck — I’ve tried many different options and found what works and what doesn’t. It’s one of the more fun parts of the game, and definitely one of the big reasons why people play it. Some have their favorites — like Astarion, for example — while some like to switch between different characters. Whatever your choice might be, here are some surefire ways to get those famed romance scenes.
Get Their Approval
The approval rate of your preferred companion is by far the most important when trying to romance them. They’ll have opportunities to give you their approval at various points, whether when you make decisions, fight or just talk to them. You can keep an eye on your approval rate with each character in the character sheet.
Ask Them Questions
When in camp or elsewhere, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk to your companions. If you want to romance a particular one, make sure that you ask a lot of personal questions. But this is a double-edged sword as well — if they feel you’re too intrusive, they can turn on you. So make sure to save scum during conversations and reload a lot for the best option.
Asking good questions will open up more options in your dialogue and you’ll eventually get to the flirty parts.
The characters will be more open to speak with you if they like you a lot — if you have a high approval rate with them.
Side With Them
When arguing with other characters or offering their opinion on something, you should side with the character that you want to romance. This can be a bit difficult if you want to, for example, do many side quests and help people out but want to romance Lae’Zel or Astarion — they won’t approve and will suggest fighting or leaving. But if you can, try to side with your preferred companion more than with others.
Help Their Quests
Some characters come with side quests or needs that you’ll need to fullfil. For example, you’ll have to help Wyll on his quest, though I won’t mention it because of spoilers. Astarion is a vampire, so you’ll help him by being nice to him about his blood needs, and even offering yourself. Gale could explode if he doesn’t eat magical artifacts, so you should feed it to him often, etc.
Helping the characters in their quests will give you their approval and allow you to romance them much easier.
Insider Tips for Romancing Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Have a vague idea who you want to romance from the beginning. You can start going for their approval and side with them from the very beginning, making things easier later. This is especially true for some characters who are harder to romance.
- Make sure to start your romance storyline(s) in Act 1. This is when you need to build those early relationships. If you don’t, you might get locked out of them in Act 2. You need to have the romance scenes in Act 1 to develop the relationship in Act 2.
- You can have two romance scenes in Act 1 before getting locked out of others. Once you have the romance scenes with two characters in Act 1, you won’t be able to get together with others.
- In most cases, you’ll have to choose in Act 2. Even if you start a polyamorous or open relationship with one of the characters that allow it, you’ll have to choose in Act 2. Halsin and some others are exceptions.
- If you want to, you can sleep with some characters (temporary) in Act 3 without causing a breakup. Like the drow twins, for example.
- Be aware that the game reads some dialogue as flirting. Even if you don’t mean to flirt. For example, if you tell Wyll to stop brooding during the tiefling party, or offer to share a bottle of wine with Shadowheart. You might just be friendly, but the game will read it as you attempting a relationship with them and some of the other characters may not want you later.
Which Characters Can You Romance in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You can romance all of the origin characters: Lae’Zel, Astarion, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach and Gale. In addition to that, you can romance your dream guardian, as well as the additional companions like Halsin, Jaheira, Minthara, and Minsc. If you’re inclined to do it, even the villains (like Mizura or the emperor) are available (at least for a night). You can also sleep with some side characters, like the drow twins.
| Character | Romance Style | Key Act 1 Action | Keep Approval by |
| Shadowheart | Gentle empathy, kindness | Talk in Blighted Village | Mercy, kindness, sympathy to underdogs |
| Astarion | Sarcasm, cruelty, self‑interest | Rescue refugees, flirt | Lying, mocking, cruelty |
| Lae’zel | Brutality, directness | Accept her approach post‑rescue | Violence, dominance, unyielding strength |
| Gale | Intelligent caring | Be supportive, ask his story | Kind conversation, emotional support |
| Karlach | Fiery heart, emotional heat | Complete Infernal quest | Bravery, loyalty, kindness |
| Wyll | Heroic empathy | Resolve the camp fight | Help others, heroic acts, supportive |
| Halsin | Nature‑wise, respectful | Complete his druid quest | Respect nature, kindness to animals |
| Minthara | Pragmatic evil | Betray Emerald Grove | Embrace ruthless pragmatism |
| Mizora | Situational seduction | Help her in Towers | Accept betrayal, dark loyalty |
| Emperor | Cosmic, dream intimacy | Side with Emperor early | Accept dream advances, encourage intimacy |
How to Romance Shadowheart
Approval style: Compassion, kindness, subtlety.
How to romance her: You’re going to treat her like a stray cat with secrets—gently show interest and let her come to you.
Excellent dialogue picks: “We should get to know each other more.” “Tell me more about yourself, besides tadpoles.” Then cozy in the bedroll: “I’ll find you after everyone’s turned in for the night.”
Maintain her favor by: being merciful to animals, showing kindness to the oppressed, stopping the Tieflings non‑lethally—Shadowheart values empathy and moral restraint.
Stage 1: Recruitment & Early Approval
- Free her aboard the Nautiloid—the pod rescue nets immediate approval.
- Help refugees at Emerald Grove, prioritize persuasion or deception, avoid violence. Disagree with Lae’zel when prompted, and pet the camp dog Scratch if you can—animal-friendly, pragmatic acts win her favor.
- Explore Blighted Village, calm the baby owlbear with animal handling, kill the mother—then offer compensation to the gnome you saved. Conversations with stray NPCs using persuasion gain her approval.
Stage 2: Building Approval & Flirt Flag
- At camp after long rests, exhaust all dialogue with Shadowheart—avoid pushing on her past or religion unless invited.
- When approval hits medium (~20+), a special dialogue option may appear—“I can’t help but feel like you and I might have missed a chance to truly connect”. Select it to fast-track the romance scene.
Stage 3: The Tiefling Camp Wine Scene
- At the Tiefling celebration camp (after rescuing goblin leaders), Shadowheart will offer sharing a bottle of wine. Accept and flirt—choose emotional, respectful responses like “refugees” or “me” when prompted.
- When you go to bedroll, pick Shadowheart. You’re transported to a cliffside talk over wine. Exhaust options, affirm her, then kiss—this locks in the Act 1 romance.
Stage 4: Act 2—Shar / Selûne Divergence
- Find an Idol of Shar in Grymforge and/or Night Orchid in Shadowlands, give them as gifts—approval boost.
- In the Gauntlet of Shar, you’ll encounter the Nightsong. If you spare it, Shadowheart starts questioning Shar—choose dialogue to support her, unlocking “serious relationship” dialogue. If you kill it, you get a more distant Shar-aligned path.
Stage 5: Act 3—Solidifying the Romance
- If you spared the Nightsong, the next long rest enables the swim scene at Rivington. Accept her invitation, flirt playfully in water—this is confirmation and deep emotional connection.
- Afterward, talk to her at camp in the morning and reaffirm—thank her for sharing and compliment her.
How to Romance Astarion
Approval style: charm, boldness, playfulness—give him what he gives
How to romance him: Give him space to be dramatic and mischievous. He responds to those who aren’t shocked by his vampiric history and actually lean into the theatricality of it.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “You deserve to feel alive again.”
- “I want to appreciate the real you—not just what you hide.”
Maintain his favor by: showing cunning and wit, indulging his flair for drama, and never acting judgmental about his past or vampiric nature. Help him free himself if you can—he respects someone who helps him reclaim his identity.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1 (Recruitment & Early Approval): Soon after recruiting him, choose playful, bold dialogue options and support his idea to pursue the ritual to become a vampire ascendant. That earns respect and interest.
- Stage 2 (Building Approval & First Romance Flag): In camp after long rests, exhaust flirting options—he flirts back with charm and subtle dominance. Stay supportive when he reveals traumatic memories.
- Stage 3 (Act 1 Tiefling Camp): Flirt at the camp party when the opportunity appears—if your approval is high, a romance-promoting dialogue unlocks. Accept when he leans in.
- Stage 4 (Act 2/3 Divergence): If he completes his quest and you support or side with his choices, he opens up further. Help him face his past and affirm you’re with him—that deepens that bond.
- Stage 5 (Solidifying the Romance): In the epilogue, he’ll confess love, and you can pledge to help him seek a cure or continue exploring his new self. If you choose the “ascension” path, there’s a darker, more intense final moment.
How to Romance Gale
Approval style: intellect, kindness, artistic curiosity
How to romance him: Treat him as someone to admire—not intimidate. He’d appreciate you engaging his magic, offering philosophical insights, and bonding over optimism and empathy.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “I’d rather be with the real you, flaws and all.”
- “Magic is beautiful—the more we learn, the better.”
Maintain his favor by: valuing knowledge, kindness, non‑violence, and a poetic view of life. He dislikes unnecessary fights, petty cruelty, and ignorance.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1 (Recruitment & Early Approval): From early on, encourage his magical ambitions; ask about Mystra and let him lead magical discussions.
- Stage 2 (Building Approval & Flirt Flag): At camp, compliment his enchanted displays and show sincere interest.
- Stage 3 (Tiefling Camp Event): Speak with him at the refugee gathering; choose flirtatious and curious options to ignite chemistry.
- Stage 4 (Magic Projection Scene): Attend his projection magic demonstration, and later tell him you value the man, not the magic—this triggers a private romance moment.
- Stage 5 (Solidifying): Continue supporting his arc throughout Act 2. By Act 3, emotional affection becomes explicit, especially if you help him with his orb quest.
How to Romance Wyll
Approval style: integrity, courage, chivalry
How to romance him: Be a stalwart ally to the downtrodden, and let your heroism shine without overshadowing his. Empathy and a sense of duty will bind your hearts.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “You’re a true hero—heart and all.”
- “I stand with you against any evil.”
Maintain his favor by: saving innocents, rejecting deals with devils or goblins, staying loyal. Show you care about justice, valor, and mutual support.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1: From the start, prioritize heroic actions—rescue people, act selflessly.
- Stage 2: In camp, follow through on goals aligned with his principles, like defending refugees.
- Stage 3 (Tiefling camp): Dance with him if prompted and flirt kindly. Choose not to work with villains.
- Stage 4: Show support when he’s conflicted about Karlach or infernal issues. Be honest and loyal.
- Stage 5: The final camp or long rest romance scene depends heavily on consistent heroism and affirmation of his values.
How to Romance Karlach
Approval style: fierce warmth, honesty, resilience
How to romance her: Match her fiery spirit with bravery, loyalty, and an appreciation for raw emotion. She values passion—both in battle and in heart.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “No shame in being bold.”
- “I’d walk through fire for you.”
Maintain her favor by: standing up for the oppressed, being brave in combat, and helping care for her infernal-wrought heart. She dislikes cowardice, prudence gone dull, and hesitation.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1: Rescue her in Act 1 and choose supportive dialogue. If you’re impatient, there’s a clifffall exploit to meet her early—survive with Feather Fall or healing.
- Stage 2: Help her get infernal iron upgrades (via Dammon in Baldur’s Gate), hug her after the second engine improvement—it boosts intimacy.
- Stage 3 (Tiefling camp): Flirt and reinforce freedom, life, and courage. Stand with her.
- Stage 4: During Act 2 and Act 3, keep rescuing innocents, support her fight against the Absolute.
- Stage 5: Accept her invitations to affectionate moments (e.g. camp relax time). If Act 3 emotional climb, affirm commitment and connection.
How to Romance Lae’zel
Approval style: fierce respect, shared grit, unorthodox tenderness
How to romance her: Treat her with battle‑forged respect—acknowledge her discipline, value her strength, and don’t flinch in the face of her bluntness.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “I respect your skill more than words.”
- “I’ll fight beside you—and with you.”
Maintain her favor by: proving martial prowess, not backing down from a dare, supporting Githyanki‑centric goals—or at least not undermining her worldview. Stay unabashedly honest—even when she’s sharp.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1 (Early Approval): When Lae’zel first joins, welcome her blunt advice. Defeat enemies with tactical flair—not sparing her critique—and agree when she asks to get physical (“sleep with her when she asks”).
- Stage 2 (Building Approval / Act I): Be firm in dialogue—if she stirs conflict you can mirror confidence. At the Tiefling party, match her intensity and answer with decisive strength.
- Stage 3 (Flirt Flag): Lae’zel’s intimate dialog is triggered after Act I, often when she confronts you—“she specifically says you are hers” and expects full commitment.
- Stage 4 & 5: Consistently back her judgments, tackle threats head-on together, and let her challenge you physically and intellectually—this kind of respect deepens the bond.
How to Romance Halsin
Approval style: calm wisdom, gentle nurturing, druidic trust
How to romance him: Be rooted in kindness and sincerity—understand the world through his druid’s eyes. Share his care for the land and those who seek refuge.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “Nature whispers to you—and I’d like to listen.”
- “Thank you for saving those who couldn’t save themselves.”
Maintain his favor by: protecting Emerald Grove, tending to nature’s innocence, resisting cruelty, and showing genuine empathy—even to enemies.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1 (Emerald Grove): Free Halsin during the Blighted Village rescue and help refugees—this gains early approval. He’s the bear and make sure you don’t kill him.
- Stage 2 (Camp & Act II): Engage him often, support his efforts to lift the shadow curse, and stay morally consistent—his stories bubble with warmth and recognition.
- Stage 3 (Act III Flirt Flag): Sometime in Act III, after his questlines are resolved, he whispers about seeing you later at night. If you’re previously approved, invite him—and he’ll come.
- Stage 4: Complete the standard camp romance scene or the bear druid variant (whichever appears). He appreciates emotional connection over spectacle—thank him, affirm respect, speak of shared purpose.
How to Romance Minthara
Approval style: brutal honesty, calculated empathy, martial trust
Trigger warning: You must walk a harder road—but this romance is built on shared determination rather than compassion.
How to romance her: Align with her mission: embrace the ruthlessness she values—earn her trust by showing you’re not afraid to make hard choices. After conquest comes intimacy—and then vulnerability.
Excellent dialogue picks:
- “I follow you willingly.”
- “I chose you—unflinchingly.”
Maintain her favor by: backing her decisions without apology, standing by her in battle, never second‑guessing her resolve—even when she questions your worth.
Walkthrough
- Stage 1 (Emerald Grove & Act I): Side with the Goblins and Minthara’s plan to raid the grove—eliminate the druids and tieflings. Newer patches allow neutral knock‑out recruitment instead of full massacre.
- Stage 2 (Camp Flirt Flag): After the raid, choose to go to your camp and select Minthara at the bedroll. Dialogue choices like “I’m yours” or “I want you” will trigger the romance scene.
- Stage 3 (Post‑Intimacy Crisis): She may attempt to attack you afterwards. Use high-level Intimidation or Wisdom checks to defuse—this tests loyalty and resolve, earning her grudging trust.
- Stage 4: Beyond that early intimacy scene, Minthara has no traditional Act II/III romance arc. She’s pragmatic, sometimes ruthless—and while consequences persist, deeper emotional connection may not follow. Still, for a certain heroic‑villain playthrough, she’s unforgettable.
How to Romance NPCs (like Mizora, Drow twins, Emperor Mind Flayer)
Approval style: situational, bold—often impulsive rather than long‑term
How to romance them: These are fleeting encounters—lean into opportunity and one‑night intimacy.
Examples include:
- Mizora (Wyll’s devilish contact in Act III): flirt and accept when she appears in camp after you’ve encountered her.
- Drow twins at Sharess’s Caress (brothel at Wyrm’s Crossing): engage them in flirtatious banter.
- Emperor Mind Flayer: unique to certain storyline outcomes—approach when prompted and follow through.
Maintain their favor by: not betraying them immediately, playing to the moment, and enjoying the cinematic intimacy. These are not deep romances—instead, narrative‑flavored moments.
Can You Have Relationships With Multiple Characters?
Yes, you can, but it depends on the characters. Halsin, Astarion, Karlach and Shadowheart will be open to an open relationship or polyamory. However, keep in mind that they also might make you choose between them and your other lovers. Karlach, for instance, or Astarion will do this in Act 2 or 3. The cap is at 2 characters at the same time.
But don’t worry — you have time in Act 1 to experience different relationships. Kissing people, at least, doesn’t lock you in a relationship, though you’ll have to break up with the person you kissed.
Which Character is The Easiest to Romance?
The easiest characters to romance are Gale and Wyll. If you do heroic and kind acts, you’ll have no problem getting their approval, and ultimately a kiss. In both cases, this will likely happen at the tiefling party once you defeat the goblins — at least, you’ll have the opportunity to do so.
With Gale, your romance will be great but without much drama since Gale doesn’t come with an additional quest. Wyll, however, has a side quest, and even if you kiss at the party, you’ll need to help him in his quest if you want a permanent relationship with him.
Which Character is The Hardest to Romance?
The hardest character to romance (of origin characters) is Shadowheart. Her side quest is pretty pertinent to the overall story, which makes it all the more complicated. You won’t be able to get into a real relationship with her before the end of Act 2, though you can certainly flirt. But if you do want to end up with her, you’ll need to play the game with that in mind. Another hard character to romance is Jaheira. But this is because her approval leans towards the more evil decisions.
Will Keeping a Character in Camp Lock You Out of Romance With Them?
If you like a character but their skills aren’t that useful to you, you’ll be more likely to keep them in camp than with your party. The number of party members is limited after all. But does that change the way you can romance them?
The short answer is no — you can still romance them. However, keep in mind that you’ll have to interact with them a lot in camp and get their approval that way. Because they’re not with you to give their approval when you make decisions, you’ll have to put in a bit more work at camp.
Can You Get Locked Out of Romance in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, you can. If you romance two different characters, that is your cap (other than with Halsin) and will lock you out of other romances. You’ll have to break up with one character to romance another. But be aware that this might not work since every interaction you have and their approval could influence this. Sometimes even a high approval can’t get you in a relationship with someone.
You’ll also be locked out of switching between relationships in Act 2 — so, for example, if you start something with Astarion and Gale in Act 1, you won’t be able to switch to someone else in Act 2 and you’ll eventually be forced to choose.
Final Thoughts
Romance is fun but in Baldur’s Gate 3, it can get a little tricky. My main advice would be to just relax and see where it takes you. The more you focus on one character, the more likely they will be available. No guide is definitive because there are so many options and each choice you make can take you in a different direction. So, try to experience it for what it is and if you don’t like the outcome — well, there’s always another run.
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